Fayette Historic State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located in Michigan, Fayette Historic State Park offers RV campers an amazing blend of scenic lakeside views, forest hiking, and historical interest. There are five miles of hiking trails that lead you to the top of limestone cliffs overlooking Fayette. And you’ll also have excellent boating and fishing. Once you’ve soaked in the park’s natural wonders, you can head to the reconstructed historical buildings of Fayette, which used to be one of the nation’s leading iron smelting operations.
Visitors to the park in the winter will also find plenty to interest them. All of the historical buildings are open year round. And the network of hiking trails turns into a cross-country skiing course. This course is groomed, so beginner skiers will have no issues getting out onto the trail.
There are over 60 campsites to choose from in the park’s campground, so you should be able to find a site that suits your rig. And the sites have electrical hookups, so you can camp in comfort.
RV Rentals in Fayette Historic State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Fayette Historic State Park is within driving distance of major cities in Wisconsin, such as Green Bay and Milwaukee. The park’s campground is easy to access from the park entrance, and you shouldn’t have any issues with narrow roads or tight corners for larger RVs.
If you are coming from Green Bay, take US-41 north from the city and you will reach the park in around three hours. And from Milwaukee, take I-43 north out of the city and you will get to the park in around four and a half hours.
At the park, the campground is just a short drive from the entrance, with a mostly straight road leading you there. Even with a large RV, you should have few issues getting to your site. However, the park’s roads can get very icy during the winter, and they will often be covered in snow. If you are visiting during the winter, it is strongly advised that you bring snow chains with you.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Fayette Historic State Park
Campsites in Fayette Historic State Park
Reservations camping
RV Camping at Fayette Historic State Park
The campground in the park has 61 sites, all of which have electrical hookups. The sites have picnic tables and grills, and are pet friendly, as long as you keep your dog on a leash. The sites aren’t located directly on the water, but they are close, and you’ll be just minutes from the beach.
There are showers and restrooms located just outside the campground. And there are multiple places to access drinking water within the campground. You’ll also be able to quickly access the park’s network of trails, as well as the park’s main swimming area and boat launch.
The sites can be reserved online up to a year in advance. You’ll need to make sure to book your site at least a day in advance. As the park is a popular lakeside retreat, the campground fills up quite quickly during the summer months. Try to book as soon as possible if you are planning a visit during peak season.
Seasonal activities in Fayette Historic State Park
In-Season
Hiking
At Fayette Historic State Park, you’ll find five miles of hiking trails that lead you to scenic cliffs overlooking the old iron smelting town. The trails also wind through the wildlife-packed forests in the park, making for beautiful walks through the trees. And you can also wander along the shores of Lake Michigan for beautiful lakeside hikes.
The hiking is excellent year round, but many RV campers prefer to visit in the fall, when the autumn colors settle over the forests.
Boating
The park is also a great choice for those who want to enjoy the waters of Lake Michigan. There are three miles of shoreline that run along Big Bay De Noc, and a boat launch that makes it easy to get out onto the water.
Come in the summer for great water activities, such as water or jet skiing. Or enjoy the shoreline with a relaxing kayak or canoe trip.
Do note that the park doesn’t offer boat rentals, although you may be able to rent boats in nearby towns.
Fishing
The waters of Lake Michigan also make a great destination for anglers of all skill levels. Big Bay De Noc has excellent bass fishing, as well as waters populated with walleye, perch, pike, and a variety of other fish species. Fish from the shore, or take a boat out onto the lake.
Fishing is excellent running from May through September. However, you will still get bites year round. There is a boat launch near the park’s main areas that makes getting out onto the water easy.
Off-Season
Birdwatching
RV campers who are interested in birdwatching will be happy whenever they visit Fayette Historic State Park. The park is packed with a wide range of different bird species, from wrens to plovers to owls. And the birds in the park vary widely throughout the year, so you’ll always be able to see something new.
Michigan has dedicated birdwatching societies that produce excellent field guides. Consult their websites before you visit to learn more about what you should keep an eye out for. And check with the park office, as they may have a bird checklist featuring the species found in the park.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you visit the park during the winter, you should make sure you bring a pair of skis. The park’s hiking trails turn into the perfect cross-country skiing course, leading you through the icy forests and around the shores of Lake Michigan.
The trails are groomed, so the course is accessible to skiers of all ability levels. However, the park does not rent any gear, so you’ll need to bring all of your equipment along with your rig.
Exploring Historical Buildings
Fayette Historic State Park is located on the site of what used to be one of the state’s most active iron smelting facilities. The town has been reconstructed to transport you back to the late 19th century, when the iron industry was most active in the area.
There are over 20 buildings at the historic site that are open to the public, with more under restoration. These buildings will help give you a sense of life in the town over a hundred years ago.
